The Offertory can look like a simple pause to prepare the altar — but every action and quiet prayer has deep roots. Dr. Brant Pitre opens up the biblical and historical meaning of this moment.
The Offertory of the Mass Explained: Actions, Prayers, and Biblical Roots
Dr. Pitre walks through the Offertory step by step: the preparation of the altar, the presentation of the gifts, the mixing of water and wine, the Offertory chant, and the priest's washing of hands (the lavabo) — all as described in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 73-76). He then sets the spoken and "secret" prayers alongside their scriptural background: the blessing prayers ("fruit of the earth and work of human hands") beside Melchizedek's bread and wine (Genesis 14:18-20) and Israel's offerings (Numbers 15); the "humble spirit and contrite heart" prayer beside the Prayer of Azariah (Daniel 3); "Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity" beside Psalm 51; and Jesus' blessing at the Last Supper (Mark 14). Ancient witnesses — St. Justin Martyr, Ordo Romanus I, St. Cyprian on the mixed cup, Amalar of Metz — round out the picture, along with CCC 1368 on the Eucharist as the sacrifice of the whole Church. The video explores what these gestures mean; it does not simply summarize the answer.
Key passages & sources examined: GIRM 73-76; Genesis 14:18-20; Numbers 15:2-5; Exodus 30:17-21; Daniel 3:39-40; Psalm 51:2; Mark 14:22-24; John 6:48-51; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; CCC 1368; St. Justin Martyr; Ordo Romanus I; St. Cyprian of Carthage; Amalar of Metz
What is the Offertory of the Mass? It is the preparation of the gifts that opens the Liturgy of the Eucharist — the altar is readied, bread and wine are presented and blessed, and the priest washes his hands. This session traces the meaning behind each action.
Why does the priest mix water with the wine? The rite is ancient; St. Cyprian read the water as the people united to Christ the wine. Dr. Pitre explores that tradition in the video.
What are the biblical roots of the Offertory prayers? The session connects the blessing and "secret" prayers to Melchizedek, Daniel 3, and Psalm 51 — watch to see how the Old Testament stands behind the words.
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I subscribed and offered payment
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dgbaugh
Hi David, I see you do have a subscrition. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I have inherited leading a Bible Study based on the Mass Readings for each Sunday. The videos are very helpful in facts and insights to add to my research and prayerful preparations. Thank you for offering these teachings.
I subscribed and offered payment
but I have received nothing I requested???
Please advise
dgbaugh
Hi David, I see you do have a subscrition. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I have inherited leading a Bible Study based on the Mass Readings for each Sunday. The videos are very helpful in facts and insights to add to my research and prayerful preparations. Thank you for offering these teachings.
